Tests conducted Wednesday by the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed cases of avian flu in a Delaware chicken flock.
According to a DDA statement, poultry from the unnamed farm have tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI).
The DDA also noted there is no public health concern, and avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat.
“We have taken immediate action to contain this disease and will continue to work with poultry owners, the industry, and our laboratory partners to protect against its spread,” said Michael T. Scuse, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture.
“This appears to be an isolated case, with no reports of disease among our chicken industry. Delmarva poultry is safe to eat, and consumers can be confident in the safety of their food.”
Currently, the farm is under quarantine to stop the spread of avian influenza to other flocks in the state. This is the first case of the H5N1 avian flu in commercial poultry in Delaware since 2004.
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The birds on the affected farm will be depopulated to prevent the spread of disease and will not enter the food system. Due to the severity of the illness, anyone found trespassing on a quarantined farm “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement says.
“Avian influenza is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among chickens through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure,” said the statement. “The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.”
While it is not known exactly how the virus was contracted, Scuse encouraged all poultry flock owners to follow the strictest biosecurity on their farms to prevent the spread of the disease. Those steps include:
- Limit, monitor, and record any movement of people, vehicles or animals on or off your farm.
- Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm to limit the chances of bringing the virus from an outside source.
- Avoid visiting other poultry farms and any unnecessary travel off the farm.
- Disinfect equipment, vehicles, footwear, and other items that come into contact with flocks.
- Keep your flock away from wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
- Isolate any ill animals and contact your veterinarian.
DDA is providing more information on avian influenza and protecting poultry. Backyard flock owners who have sick or unusual deaths in their flocks should email Poultry.Health@delaware.gov or call (302) 698-4507.
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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BIRD FLU
- Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game.
- Wear rubber gloves while cleaning game or cleaning bird feeders.
- Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders.
- Wash all tools and work surfaces with soap and water.
- Avoid food cross-contamination. Keep uncooked game in a separate container, away from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
- Cook game meat thoroughly; poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F to kill disease organisms and parasites.
Source: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
